MedicAlert® speaking for people who cannot speak for themselves.

The explosion of diabetes is happening worldwide; and developing countries like South Africa are the hardest hit as those most at risk are predominantly traditional communities which are undergoing rapid lifestyle and cultural changes due to modernisation. Recent research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that approximately 4-6 million people in SA are living with diabetes, and that most of these people are unaware that they are suffering from this condition. This research also predicts that by 2026 (15 years) the number of South Africans suffering from diabetes will have tripled.

There is no such thing as ‘mild’ diabetes. Diabetes is always serious. If it is left untreated or is not well managed it could result in a variety of complications. Heart disease, blindness, and kidney disease are some of the complications.  With early diagnosis, patient education on all facets of the condition and with special emphasis on diet, medication and exercise these complications can be delayed and even be prevented, dramatically reduce the cost of diabetes care, as well as reduce serious diabetes-related complications.

Pharmacists, particularly those practicing in community, hospital or managed healthcare settings play a vital part in advising and educating patients how to manage diabetes and reduce complications.  It is also important to wear an identification emblem at all times especially if an emergency arises;   just one phone call can give the first responder access to all medical details allowing timeous response and action that could be lifesaving.

Since 1964 MedicAlert® has been protecting people throughout South Africa from tragic and fatal mistakes in emergencies with their world-renowned MedicAlert® emblem. Speedy and efficient medical care especially in emergency situations is essential to saving lives.   Emergency Medical Services, paramedics, nurses, doctors and other health professionals are often forced to take critical decisions under difficult circumstances and in most cases without access to all the information they would like to have.

By being a MedicAlert® member and wearing a MedicAlert identification emblem one call could save a life!   In an emergency it may be just as vital to know who the next of kin is as it it to know the medical details.

Join today visit www.medicalert.co.za  or phone 0861112979

Global Diabetes Walk online entries NOW open

Recent research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that approximately 4-6 million people in SA are living with diabetes, and that most of these people are unaware that they are suffering from this condition. This research also predicts that by 2026 (15 years) the number of South Africans suffering from diabetes will have tripled.

This explosion of diabetes is happening worldwide; and developing countries like South Africa are the hardest hit as those most at risk are predominantly traditional communities which are undergoing rapid lifestyle and cultural changes due to modernisation. Although all groups are affected, people born of Indian descent are more likely to develop diabetes as they are born into a gene pool that makes them unusually susceptible to diabetes.

Research has shown that patient education and motivation can dramatically reduce the cost of diabetes care, as well as reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications. It is of the utmost importance that precautionary measures are in place if you are a diabetic i.e. if you are currently taking insulin medication, a family member or friend should know how to give you a Glucagon injection. It is also very important to wear an identification emblem at all times, especially if an emergency arises; just one phone call can give the first responder access to all of your medical details allowing timeous response and action that could be lifesaving.

To join MedicAlert® visit our website  or phone 0861112979

At MedicAlert we know that you will do everything you can to protect and care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, but unfortunately you can’t always be there to watch over and protect your loved ones.

Statistically six out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s will eventually wonder, and you can never know when this is going to happen. However MedicAlert in partnership with Dementia SA has developed a special partnership to support our members who afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

Please visit our website to learn more about how MedicAlert can help your family live with Alzheimer’s disease.

After the burst of high volumes of traffic onto the www.medicalert.co.za  website due to our online marketing project we are happy to announce that we have added a shopping basket that will enable members to pay the annual membership fees and purchase more Identity emblems online

We at MedicAlert greatly appreciate all of your support,and since December (2010) 47,286 people have visited our website at an average of 500 hits a day, please keep on visiting and do not forget to sign on for our newsletter.

We invite all members to share their stories of how MedicAlert® provided peace of mind to our members! Please send your story to info@medicalert.co.za  or write an article for our blog on www.medicalertsa.wordpress.com

 Every year thousands of South Africans leave home and go on holiday during the Easter weekend and this year will not be any different.However it is estimated that an average of 200, fatal vehicle accidents occur over the four day festive period. The majority of these ‘accidents’ occur between the hours of 12:00 and 24:00, and it is estimated that fatigue and tiredness could be responsible for up to 30 percent of deaths and an even larger percentage of serious injury crashes on our roads. Read more